Loading map...
WAW → ATH
Which side of the plane to sit from Warsaw Chopin Airport (Warsaw) to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a more dramatic scenic experience, featuring a close-up look at the central High Tatras, the urban sprawls of Budapest and Belgrade, and a legendary view of Mount Olympus shortly before the descent into Athens.
Kraków & Vistula River
A view of Poland's historic royal city and the winding Vistula River shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Western Tatras
The limestone peaks near Zakopane, providing a rugged contrast to the flatter plains of Central Poland.
Budapest & The Danube
A spectacular aerial view of the Hungarian capital with its iconic bridges spanning the wide Danube River.
Belgrade
The strategic confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, marking the gateway to the Balkan Peninsula.
Mount Olympus
The highest peak in Greece and mythical home of the gods, often visible as a massive snow-capped throne above the clouds.
Athens Urban Sprawl
Views of the dense white urban landscape of Athens, with the Saronic Gulf and Piraeus port visible on a clear approach.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to avoid glare while enjoying the sunset. Mount Olympus is the highlight of this route; it typically appears about 25-30 minutes before landing. If the flight path follows the standard arrival into ATH from the north, you may also see the Gulf of Corinth in the distance. Seat yourself in front of the wing for the most unobstructed views of the European landscape.
High Tatras (Eastern Peaks)
The sharp granite spires of the Gerlachovský štít and Lomnický štít marking the border between Poland and Slovakia.
Great Hungarian Plain
The vast, flat agricultural landscape of the Puszta, characterized by its unique geometric field patterns.
Balkan Ranges
Distant glimpses of the Rila and Pirin mountain massifs in Bulgaria as you traverse the Serbian-Bulgarian border region.
Euboea Coastline
The rugged, mountainous coastline of Evia, Greece's second-largest island, as the plane begins its descent.
Aegean Sea
The deep turquoise waters and scattered rocky islets of the North Euboean Gulf appearing during the final approach stages.
For morning flights, the left side receives direct sunlight, which can be harsh for photography but beautiful for seeing the sunrise over the Carpathians. Keep your eyes peeled as you cross into Greece; the transition from the green Balkans to the arid, rocky Mediterranean islands is visually striking. Check the flight path as a slight eastern deviation can offer views of the Rhodope Mountains.
Distance: 1,599 km (994 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 8 min
Departure: WAW (52.1656990051, 20.9671001434)
Arrival: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.